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[Update: Already launched as iQOO U1x] iQOO V2065A full specifications and images appear, launch seems near

By
Anvinraj Valiyathara
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Update: The phone has already launched in China as the iQOO U1x earlier this month.

Original story continues…

An unannounced iQOO smartphone that has a V2065A model number has been certified by the TENAA telecom regulatory body of China. As usual, the listing has revealed all its key specifications and images. The listing shows that it is a mid-range 4G smartphone from the brand. However, its final market name is under wraps.

iQOO V2065A specifications and design

The iQOO V2065A has 164.41 x 76.32 x 8.41mm dimensions and it weighs 192.3 grams. The handset features a 651-inch display that delivers 720 x 1600 pixels HD+ resolution and a 20:9 aspect ratio. The handset has also received certification from the 3C authority of China. The listing reveals that it may come with an 18W charger. The TENAA listing states that the phone has a 4,910mAh rated battery.

iQOO V2065A 3C

It is unclear which processor fuels the device. TENAA mentions that it has a 2.0GHz octa-core as the driving force. The handset has 4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB of RAM and it is equipped with storage options like 64 GB and 128 GB. There is a dedicated microSD card slot onboard for more storage.

Editor’s Pick:  iQOO U1x with Snapdragon 662, 5,000mAh battery, and 13MP triple cameras launched in China

iQOO V2065A TENAA

The iQOO V2065A has a selfie camera of 8-megapixel. A rectangle-shape camera module is available on the back panel of the V2065A phone. It includes a primary shooter of 13-megapixel along with a pair of 2-megpaixel sensors. The device boots to Android 10 OS. For security, it features a side-mounted fingerprint reader.

Chinese smartphone brands are gearing up to launch new phones for China’s Double Eleven (Nov. 11) shopping festival. OPPO is set to announce a new handset named the OPPO K7x on Nov. 4. The iQOO V2065A too is likely to be made available for the Double Eleven shopping festival.

UP NEXT: Vivo officially confirms that Origin OS will replace Funtouch OS

 

 

Alleged Redmi K40 powered by unannounced Snapdragon chipset surface online

By
Jeet
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Xiaomi has been quite active when it comes to launching new products in the market. Even though the company has expanded its product category, the company hasn’t diverted from its area of focus — smartphones.

Continuing its spree of launching new smartphones, Xioami’s Redmi is now expected to launch the Redmi K40 series smartphones in the fourth quarter this year, i.e. by the end of December. Now, ahead of the phone’s official launch, the device may have surfaced online.

Xiaomi Redmi K40 Snapdragon 775G SoC

An unnamed Xiaomi smartphone carrying model number M2011K2C has been spotted in a certification process, which is believed to the Redmi K40 series phone. Interestingly, the device is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset which is not yet announced.

If the previous reports are to be believed, then the smartphone in question will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 775G chipset. We expect the company to launch this new chipset along with the flagship Snapdragon 875 SoC in early December.

EDITOR’S PICK: Xiaomi surpasses Apple to become the world’s third-biggest smartphone brand in Q3 2020

Redmi K30
Redmi K30

The Redmi K30 5G smartphone was the first one to be powered by the Snapdragon 765G SoC and we expect that the successor of that chipset will first power the successor of the Redmi K30 5G and could launch by the end of this year.

On the other hand, Xiaomi is also expected to be one of the first smartphone makers to launch devices powered by the flagship Snapdragon 875 SoC. Given that the Redmi K30 Pro was powered by the SD865 chipset, we expect the upcoming SD875 chipset to power the Redmi K40 Pro smartphone.

UP NEXT: POCO’s next mid-range smartphone tipped to launch globally by early December

 

Xiaomi surpasses Apple to become the world’s third biggest smartphone brand

By
Jeet
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International Data Corporation (IDC) has released its report related to the smartphone shipments in the third quarter of this year, i.e. Q3 2020 and the report reveals that the South Korean giant Samsung has managed to keep its leading position.

It reveals that the quarter witness decline in smartphone shipments by 1.3 percent year-on-year, which is better than expected because of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic in which several countries were on lockdown for months.

IDC Q3 2020 Worldwide Smartphone Shipment

Around 353.6 million smartphones were shipped in the third quarter of this year, i.e. from July to September. Earlier, IDC had predicted that there could be a decline of around 9 percent but the actual numbers are better than expected.

As per the report, Samsung takes the pole position with a 22.7 percent market share as the company managed to ship 80.4 million units in Q3 2020. The shipments indicate a 2.9 percent growth for the company year-on-year.

EDITOR’S PICK: LG to seek ODMs more for producing smartphones including Velvet 2 in 2021

Huawei has been ranked second with shipments of 51.9 million units, capturing around 14.7 percent of the worldwide market. When compared on a year-on-year basis, the Chinese giant’s shipments declined by a massive 22 percent.

While one Chinese market saw a decline, another witnessed tremendous growth. Xiaomi has surpassed Apple to become the third-largest smartphone brand in the world, with a market share of 13.1 percent and 46.5 million shipments. It witnessed a growth of 42 percent, mainly because of increased demand for low-end and mid-range smartphones, especially in developing countries like India.

Apple and Vivo take the fourth and fifth positions with 11.8 percent and 8.9 percent market share, respectively. While Apple shipped 41.6 million units in Q3 2020, Chinese company Vivo shipped 31.5 million units.

UP NEXT: HUAWEI led the China Smartphone Market in Q3 2020; 5G handsets accounted for over 50 percent

 

HUAWEI led the China Smartphone Market in Q3 2020; 5G handsets accounted for over 50%

By
Sudarshan Ravichandran
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Counterpoint Research has released a report on the China Smartphone Market for Q3 2020. According to it, the market declined 13% YoY but improved 3% QoQ. Huawei was the largest brand but its sales started declining. On the other hand, Xiaomi outperformed all the brands and iPhone 11 was the best-selling smartphone although 5G smartphones accounted for over 50% of the total units sold.

China Flag Close-up
Photo by Gary Tamin from FreeImages

In the report published by Counterpoint, research analyst Flora Tang said that as per the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the country’s unemployment rate increased by 0.2% in urban areas in September. The unemployment rate of college graduates aged between 20 and 24 hiked by 4% during this period. Therefore, smartphone sales remained stagnant despite brands’ efforts to trigger sales.

Talking about the performances of top OEMs, research analyst Memgmeng Zhang commented that Huawei led the China Smartphone Market in Q2 2020 with a 45% market share. 

The company’s six models made it to the list of top 10 best-selling smartphones during the last quarter and most importantly, all of them were 5G-enabled. However, the sales of the Chinese telecom giant began to decline as a result of a severe component shortage.

EDITOR’S PICK: IDC: Global Smartphone Market will recover in 2022; 5G handsets will account for 50% in 2023

 

Further, vivo and OPPO captured second and third positions with 17% and 15% market shares respectively. The OPPO Reno4 series and vivo X50 series helped these two companies gain some momentum compared to the previous quarter.

In the fourth place with an 11% market share, Xiaomi was the only OEM to achieve a YoY growth in Q3 2020, 8% to be exact. But interestingly, none of its phones was a best-selling handset in this period.

As for Apple, its sales dropped 7% YoY due to the iPhone 12 series, which was expected to debut in this quarter back then. Nevertheless, iPhone 11 remained the best-selling smartphone accounting for almost 5% of the market share. Whereas, Apple as a whole managed to claim fifth place with an 8% market share.

China Smartphone Market Q3 2020 Counterpoint Research

Commenting on 5G smartphones, senior analyst Ethan Qi said that the starting pricing of 5G handsets dropped to around $150 with the launch of realme V3 5G. Some of the popular phones in this segment include HUAWEI Enjoy 20 5G, HONOR X10 5G, OPPO A72 5G, vivo Y70s 5G, and Redmi 10X 5G.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Chinese telecom operators managed to build 690,000 5G base stations by the end of September. The 5G smartphone sales (in units) accounted for 50% of the entire smartphone market in Q3 2020, compared to 33% and 16% in Q2 and Q1 respectively.

With the launch of the iPhone 12 series in Q4, 5G smartphones are expected to acquire almost 70% of the market by the end of this year.

Having said that, here’s the list of best-selling smartphones in China in Q3 2020, as per Counterpoint Research.

  1. Apple iPhone 11 (4G)
  2. HUAWEI nova7 (5G)
  3. HUAWEI nova7 SE (5G)
  4. HUAWEI P40 (5G)
  5. HUAWEI P40 Pro (5G)
  6. OPPO A8 (4G)
  7. vivo Y3 (4G)
  8. OPPO Reno4 (5G)
  9. HONOR 30S (5G)
  10. HUAWEI Mate30 (5G)
UP NEXT: iPhone 12 is expected to beat Galaxy S20+ 5G as the best-selling 5G smartphone in H2 2020

 

POCO X3 vs Realme 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime: Specs Comparison

By
Michele Ingelido
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POCO, Realme, and Samsung released amazing mid-rangers in the second half of 2020. You are not wrong if you consider POCO X3 NFC, Realme 7 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime three of the handsets with the highest value for money out there. They offer astonishing specifications at incredibly affordable prices and a lot of expert users are opting for them. But which is the real device deserving the title of best-seller in 2020 among these three ones? We highlighted all the differences, pros, and cons of these devices in this specs comparison between POCO X3 NFC, Realme 7 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime.

Xiaomi POCO X3 NFC vs Realme 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime

Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime Xiaomi POCO X3 NFC Oppo Realme 7 Pro
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT 159.2 x 75.1 x 8.9 mm, 191 grams 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm, 215 grams 160.9 x 74.3 x 8.7 mm, 182 grams
DISPLAY 6.4 inches, 1080 x 2340p (Full HD+), 403 ppi, Super AMOLED  6.67 inches, 1080 x 2400p (Full HD+), IPS LCD 6.4 inches, 1080 x 2400p (Full HD+), 411 ppi, Super AMOLED
PROCESSOR Samsung Exynos 9611, octa-core 2.3 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G, octa-core 2.3 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, octa-core 2.3 GHz
MEMORY 6 GB RAM, 128 GB – micro SD dedicated slot 6 GB RAM, 64 GB – 6 GB RAM, 128 GB – micro SD slot 6 GB RAM, 128 GB – 8 GB RAM, 128 GB – micro SD dedicated slot
SOFTWARE Android 10, One UI  Android 10, MIUI Android 10, Realme UI
CONNECTIVITY Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5, GPS  Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS
CAMERA Quad 64 + 8 + 5 + 5 MP f/1.8, f/2.2, f/2.4 and f/2.2
32 MP f/2.0 front camera		 Quad 64 + 13 + 2 + 2 MP, f/1.8 + f/2.2 + f/2.4 + f/2.4
20 MP f/2.2 front camera		 Quad 64 + 8 + 2 + 2 MP f/1.8, f/2.3, f/2.4 and f/2.4
32 MP f/2.5 front camera
BATTERY 6000 mAh, fast charging 15W  5160 mAh, fast charging 33W 4500 mAh, fast charging 65W
ADDITIONAL FEATURES Dual SIM slot Dual SIM slot, splash proof Dual SIM slot, splash resistant

Design

I personally love the design of the Realme 7 Pro. It has a punch-hole display, a non-invasive camera module on the rear side, and pretty nice color variants. The camera module of the POCO X3 NFC looks ugly to me, and the notched display of the Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime is even less interesting. Besides being so beautiful, Realme 7 Pro is also the only one with an in-display fingerprint reader: the biometric sensor is not side-mounted nor rear-mounted, unlike the POCO X3 NFC and the Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime. This makes the design cleaner and sleeker.

 

Display

With the POCO X3 NFC, you get a 120 Hz refresh rate and the HDR10 certification, which are not present on its rivals. The Realme 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime have a standard refresh rate and they lack HDR10, but a lot of people would still prefer them because they offer a Super AMOLED panel instead of an IPS display. This means you can get more brilliant colors and deeper blacks. With the Realme 7 Pro, you even get an in-display fingerprint reader. What would your choice be: a 120 Hz HDR10 IPS display or a Super AMOLED panel with a standard refresh rate and no additional technologies?

 

Specs & Software

If you want the most advanced processor, you should go for the POCO X3 NFC packing a Snapdragon 732G mobile platform. Realme 7 Pro has a slightly inferior processor, but it offers a higher amount of RAM (up to 8 GB), so it is more suitable for multi-tasking and it has better overall performance in a lot of scenarios. The chipset of the Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime is too weak to compete with the POCO X3 NFC and the Realme 7 Pro. In each case, you get Android 10 out of the box with a highly-customized user interface.

 

Camera

With these three devices, you get the same main camera on the rear side: what changes are the secondary sensors. And you can get better secondary sensors with the POCO X3 NFC, including a 13 MP ultrawide lens. The second place goes to the Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime offering an 8 MP ultrawide sensor and a pair of 5 MP sensors for depth and macro. With the Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime, you also get a better front camera for selfies.

 

Battery

The Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime has a way bigger 6000 mAh battery and it lasts a lot more than Realme 7 Pro and POCO X3 NFC on a single charge. On the other hand, Realme 7 Pro supports 65W fast charging and it charges a lot faster, going from 0 to 100 percent in less than 35 minutes.

 

Price

POCO X3 NFC and Realme 7 Pro are available globally with prices starting from €250/$290 and €300/$350, respectively. Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime is only available in India with a €190/$220 starting price. My favorite handset of this comparison is the Realme 7 Pro due to its AMOLED display, water-repellent coating, good selfie camera, and 65W fast charging. But some may like the POCO X3 NFC a bit more for the above-mentioned reasons. Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime is a better choice only if battery life is your main concern or if you want to save as much money as possible.

 

Xiaomi POCO X3 NFC vs Realme 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime: PROs and CONS

Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime

PROs

  • Best battery
  • AMOLED display
  • Great selfie camera

CONS

  • Inferior hardware

 

POCO X3 NFC

PROs

  • Great price
  • Best hardware
  • Stereo speakers
  • 120 Hz HDR10 display
  • IR blaster

CONS

  • IPS display

 


Oppo Realme 7 Pro

PROs

  • Faster charging
  • Water-repellent
  • In-display fingerprint reader
  • AMOLED display
  • Stereo speakers

CONS

  • Smaller battery

Netflix increases price of two of its plans in the US

By
Habeeb Onawole
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Netflix has announced a price increase for two of its plans in the US. The streaming service made an announcement on Thursday that Standard and Premium subscribers will be paying a little more.

Netflix Logo

The Standard Plan which was originally priced at $12.99 is now $13.99 while the Premium Plan that used to be $15.99 is now $18.99. The basic plan which allows you to watch content on only one screen and in standard definition remains $8.99. The new prices take effect immediately.

If you are wondering if there will be a price hike in your country, a Netflix spokesperson told The Verge that changes in price happen on a country-by-country basis and the increase in the US is not an indication of a global change in price.

The price increase in the US comes nearly two years after the last one in January 2019. However, in that time frame, more streaming services have entered into the market such as Disney+, HBO Max, and Peacock. This means subscribers have more options, but Netflix is not fazed as it believes the increase in price will allow it to “continue to offer more variety of TV shows and films”.

The streaming service plans to invest more in content offerings as there are now more competitors in the business. It spent $18.5 billion in developing original content this year according to a Bloomberg report and that figure is expected to be higher in 2021. It is no surprise that some of this cost is being passed to consumers.

During its Q2 earnings call in July, Netflix announced it added 10.1 million subscribers between April and June to the about 180 million it originally had. With its recent promotions such as free content for those without a subscription and an upcoming 2-day streamfest in India that is scheduled for December 4, we expect the number of subscribers to enter 200 million by the end of the year.

UP NEXT: Upcoming Netflix app feature will allow you to listen to your favorite shows

 

Chinese smartphone overseas shipments increase in Q3 2020

By
Habeeb Onawole
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This year has been a rough one for phone manufacturers. However, the last quarter seems to have faired better for Chinese manufacturers as a report says phone shipments increased.

Xiaomi Mi 10T-
Xiaomi Mi 10T

The info comes from Digitimes Research, and according to their findings, Chinese smartphone vendors saw their global shipments rise to 182 million, an increase of 10.6% from the previous quarter but a 5.6% drop when compared to the same quarter in 2019.

Unfortunately, Huawei wasn’t among those who recorded growth in shipment. The Chinese giant recorded a 25.5% decline in overall shipment in the third quarter of the year unlike its rivals – Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo that recorded an increase. Nevertheless, all four companies accounted for 74.3% of the total shipment recorded, though the report revealed that the figure is less than that of Q3 2019.

It is believed that Chinese manufacturers will account for about 50% of the total global shipment in the last quarter of the year but the figure should be less than that of Q4 2019 as the market is recovering slowly. Digitimes speculates that Huawei may get dethroned as its rivals continue to increase their global shipments.

We are still looking forward to a number of new Chinese phones before the end of the year. POCO has a mid-range phone set to launch globally in early December and we won’t be surprised if Redmi, Realme, Vivo, and OPPO also announce new models for their existing series to wrap up the year.

UP NEXT: Digital China Group: A Closer Look at the potential buyer of Huawei’s Honor smartphone brand

 

LG to seek ODMs more for producing Smartphones including Velvet 2 in 2021

By
Balaji S
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South Korean giant LG, which announced the LG Velvet, and LG Wing this year, is looking to expand its ties with ODMs in 2021. Previously, some of the LG smartphones from 2018 to the current year(2020) were actually made by ODMs. And now, a report from Korea now says that the company will outsource more smartphones from ODMs next year, including the LG Velvet2(Tentative).

LG Velvet cameras

LG Velvet 2 outsourced from ODM

A report from TheElec says LG will seek ODMs to make more of its smartphones in 2021. In fact, the report explicitly mentions that by 2021, ODMs will account for 70% of LG’s Smartphone production. For the unware, ODM is an Original Design Manufacturer. Simply put, it is a company that designs and manufactures a product that is ultimately sold by the other(here LG). That said, the next iteration of Velvet, the Velvet 2(Tentative) will reportedly be made by ODMs.

Besides, LG’s current ODM partners are Wingtech, Huaqin, and Longcheer in China. Interestingly, the report also says LG began seeking ODMs in 2018. Back then, only 10% of LG devices were made by contract companies. However, the number increased to 30%, and 60% in 2019, and 2020 respectively. This suggests that LG’s earlier plan to expand its market may come true soon. Plus, the new report also falls in line with the earlier ODM strengthening strategy for launching products to mass markets.

EDITOR’S PICK: LG Wing gets the teardown treatment showing us the entire internals

Other plans for 2021

Apart from Velvet 2, successors of LG’s Q92, LG Stylo, will also reportedly be made by ODMs. Still, LG is said to churn out the next flagship codenamed Rainbow, rollable device(codenamed B Project) on its own. The device, Rainbow, will likely have similarities to the V series with 5G, Snapdragon 8xx SoC, and more.

On the other hand, B Project will be the second output of LG’s Explorer Project says the report. It will likely allow users to pull one of the sides of a screen to roll it out and expand the display. If we recall, the first device out of LG’s Explorer Project was the LG Wing 5G that launched recently in the US, Korea, and India.

Anyway, all of the devices mentioned above including Velvet 2 are likely headed for a 2021 release. However, if the report is true, Rainbow will launch by Q1, 2021 whereas B Project will debut in March of next year.

UP NEXT: LG K92 5G with 6.7-inch display, SD690, 64MP quad cameras launched in the US

Flat 60% Off on Xiaomi Mi TV Stick – Global Version at Giztop

By
Greeva Agnihotri
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Ever since its launch, Xiaomi Mi TV Stick- Global Version has created quite a stir. With its sleek and versatile form, this stick caters to a large audience and comes in a pocket-friendly price range. Taking it a step ahead, Giztop is now offering a mega 60% off on it, meaning one can buy it at just $19.99.

Mi TV Stick

Mi TV stick is powered by an Amlogic S905 Quad-core processor with ARM Mali-450 GPU and runs on Android TV 9.0 system. With 1920 x 1080p output and 60fps, it enables the user to view content in HD. It has 1GB RAM, 8GB internal storage, and supports dual-band Wi-Fi. This piece has an HDMI 2.0 interface for the transmission of audio and video. It supports both DTS and Dolby multichannel HD audio encoding to offer smooth, dynamic, and immersive sound.

Xiaomi Mi TV stick supports Bluetooth 4.2 to enable the direct streaming of content from mobile phones, tablets, and other devices. Chromecast allows one to watch videos and other content from various devices. The Bluetooth remote and Google Assistant allow one-tap operation, where user can command to control multiple functions. Its wireless form provides enhanced portability and connectivity options. The plug and play design allow the convenient connection.

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 03

Mi TV stick comes pre-installed with Netflix and Prime Video and allows one to download various apps and games from Google Playstore. This TV stick offers users most of the sought after functions at a reasonable price. Readers can enjoy a flat 60% discount on Xiaomi Mi TV Stick- Global Version at Giztop. It is available for only $19.99 for a limited time.

 

Leaked Lenovo K12 Note render surfaces; will come with slower charging technology

By
Habeeb Onawole
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The Lenovo K Note series is due for a new model. While last year’s model launched as the Lenovo K10 Note, this year’s own will launch as the Lenovo K12 Note. Renders of the phone have now surfaced, confirming that the new phone is a rebadge of the already-announced Moto G9 Play.

It was first discovered last month that the Lenovo K12 Note is the same device as the Moto G9 Play a.k.a. Moto G9 in India. This means Lenovo is/will be selling the same under three different names depending on the market.

New renders of the phone were posted on Twitter by Sudhanshu Ambhore (@Sudhanshu1414), and they show the Lenovo K12 Note from all angles. Gone is the batwing logo on the rear-mounted fingerprint scanner. There is also a Lenovo logo at the bottom right corner of the phone. The images show the phone will also come in green and blue just like the Indian version of the Moto G9.

While the Lenovo K12 Note is definitely a look-alike, it appears it won’t have the same specs through and through as the Moto G9 Play. According to the leaker, the K12 Note will have support for 15W fast charging instead of 20W fast charging.

There is still no news yet on when the phone will launch but when it does, it should arrive with a 6.5-inch HD+ display, a Snapdragon 662 processor, a 5000mAh battery, and a 48MP triple rear camera setup.

UP NEXT: Published Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad specs tell us what to expect for the Tab P11

New Samsung Galaxy S21/S30 Ultra render shows a Penta rear-camera setup

By
Balaji S
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A few days back, we saw the first-ever unofficial look at the Galaxy S21/S30 series. It showed a quad-camera layout with a new design on the S21/S30 Ultra. Now, Steve from Onleaks has an update for us.

Galaxy S21 Ultra

According to Steve, Samsung is apparently a cat on the wall when it comes to the Galaxy S21/S30 “Ultra’s” rear camera design. And as per his sources(via Sammobile), after the DVT, the device has one more sensor. Steve feels that the latest rear camera setup might have either five cameras or a quad-camera with an unknown sensor. For the unware, DVT is Design and Validation Test. It is reportedly the penultimate(one before the final) stage before the device enters mass production.

To match the new leak, Steve has also shared a new CAD render of the Galaxy S21/S30 Ultra. Just like the early renders, it shares a rectangle design with two edges and rounded corners. And, the new render also shows a protruding layout like the Note 20 Ultra. While we don’t know the specifications of the unknown sensor, an earlier leak says the series might have a second Telephoto lens instead of the ToF sensor.

Credit: Steve(Onleaks)

Galaxy S21/S30 Ultra: Expected Specifications

To recall, the Galaxy S21/S30 series is expected to have three variants- a vanilla variant, a Plus, and an S21/S30 Ultra. The entire series is reportedly coming a month early in January 2021. One of the leaks also says that the device will flaunt Black, Violet, and Silver color options.

Among them, Ultra reportedly carries a model number SM-G998U. In case you dint know, the leaked specifications of the device say it will have a dynamic AMOLED punch-hole display. The display will reportedly measure 6.8-inches and be a 2K display with a 120/144Hz refresh rate. It is expected to sport a 108MP rear camera sensor and a 40MP selfie shooter. As usual, you can expect the internals to differ based on the regions.

That is, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 875 for the US, China, and Exynos 2100 SoC for Korea, India. All of this will reportedly be backed by a 5,000mAh battery that probably supports charging up to 60W.

UP NEXT: Download Samsung ODIN Flash Tool for Windows (All Version)

 

Galaxy S7/S7 Edge from 2016 are receiving a new system update

By
Sudarshan Ravichandran
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Samsung launched the Galaxy S7 series consisting of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge in March 2016. These devices are no longer eligible for security updates. However, despite being almost 5 years old, the South Korean tech giant is now rolling out September 2020 security patch to these two phones.

Previously, Samsung used to provide two Android updates and up to 4 years of security updates to its flagship handsets. Hence, the company provided security patches for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge up until March 2020.

But now, after 7 months, Samsung is seeding another update in the form of September 2020 security patch. There’s no need for the company to provide this update as the duo has received security patches for 4 years as promised.

As SamMobile suggests, this update may include certain critical patches and therefore, the world’s largest smartphone maker might have released it. Currently, the update is live in the US and Europe. It should be available in other regions in the coming days.

In August, HUAWEI Mate 8, a smartphone from 2015 also received a system update after the end of its support period. It not only brought July 2020 security patch but also a useful feature called “Smart Charge” for the battery.

Anyway, these handsets still pale in comparison with Apple’s track record of releasing iOS updates.

UP NEXT: Here’s the official list of Samsung Galaxy devices eligible for three generations of Android updates

 

POCO’s next mid-range Smartphone tipped to launch globally by early December

By
Balaji S
-

A while back, POCO Global launched the POCO X3 in Europe, before bringing it to India. Before we take a breather, a tipster on Twitter says another device from POCO will launch before the year(2020) ends.

POCO X3 NFC logo featured

Tipster Mukul Sharma says the next POCO device will likely launch in the first half of December citing his source. That is, if everything goes according to the plan. Now, this works out somewhere between December 1-14 of 2020 but isn’t official yet. He adds that the launch will mostly be a Global one(maybe Europe). And that there is no word on the Indian launch yet. Further, Mukul Sharma has replied to a user saying the device will seemingly be a mid-ranger.

This is understandable considering the company already launched a flagship Poco F2 Pro and a midrange POCO X3 NFC globally. On the other hand, the India division is operating with a different strategy in mind. It recently launched the POCO X3 with a modified 6,000mAh battery. Additionally, Country Director of POCO, Anuj Sharma said that POCO devices in India are better than the Redmi counterparts despite being rebranded.

Coming back, the latest tip affirms an earlier tweet by POCO’s Global Spokesperson, Angus Kai Ho Ng. He tweeted that POCO isn’t done yet with a #POCOcomingsoon. Following this, a smartphone with model number M2010J19CG was spotted at the database of EEC. EEC is the Eurasian Economic Commission. That said, the model number is reminiscent of a similar device(M2010J19SC) that’s probably heading to China as Redmi Note 10 4G.

Now, if we recall, the device also got certified at China’s 3C authority. It showed that the device will support 22.5W fast charging. However, we are devoid of further info and will have to wait for more leaks in the future.

UP NEXT: Here’s how you can keep the POCO X3 refresh rate locked on 120Hz

Viomi 21Face 5GIoT Refrigerator with an interactive display, Wi-Fi 6 support unveiled

By
Jed John Ikoba
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In May this year, Xiaomi’s ecological chain company Viomi unveiled the 21Face Interactive Smart Screen, it’s first 5G IoT smart TV. The company also launched a host of other smart home products which for its 5Gᴵᵒᵀ products. Viomi has yet again added yet another 5G IoT product, a refrigerator equipped with a large display screen and a WiFi 6 chip. The refrigerator is priced at 4999 yuan (~$744).

The Viomi 21Face 5Gᴵᵒᵀ large-screen refrigerator is the world’s first 5G IoT large-screen refrigerator with vibrato. It is equipped with the latest WiFi 6 chip module, which perfectly matches the high speed connectivity which 5G offers. The Wifi is capable of a maximum download rate of 1200M.

The smart refrigerator features a large volume of 520L and supports vector frequency conversion. It also works silently with an impressive noise level of 38dB.

The refrigerator packs an expansive smart interactive touch-sensitive screen. The screen can be used to watch videos, listen to songs or if the owner wants to read recipes. Quite interesting is the disclosure that the display can also be used as a hub to control all other connected house appliances. Its AI voice interaction system allows you to link other smart home appliances without hands, making the kitchen no longer monotonous.

UP NEXT: Xiaomi XiaoAI Speaker Art Battery Edition launched for 399 yuan ($59)

 

LG K92 5G with 6.7-inch display, SD690, 64MP quad cameras launched in the US

By
Anvinraj Valiyathara
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LG has silently launched the LG K92 5G smartphone. It has arrived as one of the cheapest 5G-ready phones in the U.S. Some of the major highlights of the K92 5G include a tall aspect ratio supporting screen, a midrange 5G chipset, a 64-megapixel quad-camera system, a rapid charging supported battery.

LG K92 5G specifications and features

The LG K92 5G measures 166.37 x 86.36 x 8.38mm and it weighs 202 grams. The smartphone sports a two-tone finish on its back. The quadruple-camera setup placed at the upper-left corner of the LG K92 5G’s back has a 64-megapixel primary lens, a 115-degree superwide sensor 5-megapixel, a depth assist lens of 2-megapixel, and a macro camera of 2-megapixel. The upper-right of the phone’s rear shell has a quad-LED flash unit. For snapping selfies, the handset has a 16-megapixel camera housed inside a top-center camera cutout on the screen.

LG K92 5G
LG K92 5G

Editor’s Pick: LG Wing 5G dual display phone and LG Velvet launched for Rs 69,990 (~$948) and 36,990 (~$504) in India

The LG K92 5G mid-ranger has an IPS LCD display of 6.7 inches that offers a Full HD+ resolution. It is preinstalled with Android 10 OS and LG’s UI. The handset features stereo speakers that are powered by LG 3D Sound Engine.

The Snapdragon 690 5G is at the helm of the LG K92 5G with 6 GB of RAM. For storage, it offers an internal space of 128 GB and a microSD card slot. The device carries support for Quick Charge 4 technology for its 4,000mAh battery.

LG K92 5G pricing and release date

The LG K92 5G that is priced at $359 will be available for purchase from Nov. 6 in the U.S. It comes in a single color option of Titan Gray. It is unclear which other markets will be receiving the K92 5G.

What’s your opinion on the LG K92 5G? Do you think it is a worthy rival for the OnePlus Nord N10 5G? Share your thoughts by posting your comments.

UP NEXT: Flipkart’s Big Diwali Sale will bring back the LG G8X Smartphone on stock for ₹24,990($339)

 

 

Apple reportedly raises iPhone 12 orders by 2 million due to fierce demand

By
Jed John Ikoba
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Apple’s latest iPhone 12 and 12 Pro are turning out to be hot-selling products. The models have been on open sale in some regions for just a few days since they were officially unveiled last week. From all indications, demand has been solid and there are reports that the increasing demand has prompted Apple to boost the orders for the iPhone 12 by two million units from its supply chain partners.Apple iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 features an OLED screen and utilised a flat design. The device also emerges as the first iPhone with 5G connectivity and all these seem to have triggered the interest of consumers. Thus, a source from the iPhone industry supply chain is reported to have disclosed Apple’s decision to increase its order by 2 million units. The industry source also expressed optimism about the shipments of Apple’s product lines next year.

An estimate released by Cinda Securities projects that the demand for the iPhone 12 series will likely reach 80-85 million units. The firm also estimates that Apple will likely ship around 230-240 million units of the iPhone 12 in 2021. If this happens, the iPhone 12 series will emerge as the US company’s best-selling phones ever. That record is presently held by the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus with a massive estimated shipment of 222,4 million units.

Popular Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently disclosed that an estimated 7-9 million units of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro were pre-ordered before the official sales commenced. He also predicted that the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro will account for 60-70% of the total 12-series shipments. Further, the topmost iPhone 12 Pro Max and the base model – 12 mini will each account for around 15-20% of total shipments.

UP NEXT: Xiaomi XiaoAI Speaker Art Battery Edition launched for 399 yuan ($59)

 

 

Redmi Note 10 Series: Expected Specs and Price ahead of imminent launch

By
Balaji S
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Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series is popular both in its home country and global markets like India. However, the company is yet to launch a Note device in China after the Redmi Note 8 Pro. Recent rumors and leaks point that the next series could be under the Redmi Note 10 moniker. And before Xiaomi unwraps it officially, let’s take a look at what we know so far.

 

Jumping right in, the Redmi Note 10 series is expected to come in three models- M2007J17C, M2007J22C, M2010J19SC. The first two are 5G devices while the last one is 4G as per certifications. Now, if we were to guess, Xiaomi should name the first one as Redmi Note 10 Pro Max considering it will likely hold a huge 108MP camera. However, the rest of the two could be Redmi Note 10 Pro, and Redmi Note 10 4G. Of course, these are our speculative names going by the past, and Xiaomi could change it before launch

Redmi Note 10 series – The basics

As is the case with every Note series, we can expect features like an LCD display with Gorilla Glass protection on the Note 10 series. Also, it is likely to hop on the high-refresh train with 120Hz displays. In terms of design, we can expect punch-hole displays at the front, and a circular camera layout at the back. For ports, 3.5mm jack, USB-C, microSD slot, Dual-SIM could be obvious inclusions.

We can also expect other features like IR blaster, P2i coating against water splashes, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth, GPS, BeiDou, SA/NSA 5G(on two models),4G, bigger battery with fast charging. For memory and storage, we can expect 6/8GB RAM and 64/128GB storage. However, a 256GB variant could also surprise us. All the devices are likely to run MIUI 12 based on Android 10 out of the box.

M2007J17C(Possibly Redmi Note 10 Pro Max)

Talking about the device, it is rumored to be a tweaked version of Xiaomi’s Mi 10T Lite 5G from Europe. To affirm this, both the devices have the same model numbers(M2007J17C, M2007J17C) as well. Here “G” generally represents the Global variant(which is the Mi 10T Lite 5G), and “C” Chinese variant. If true, the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max could feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ LCD 120Hz display with a centered punch-hole.

Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite 5G

The design will be a lot similar to the Poco X3 from Global Markets. Under the hood, it will likely sport the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G(sm7225) SoC. Other specifications leaked so far say the device could have a rear 108MP camera sensor which is said to be the ISOCELL HM2 image sensor with 0.7μm pixels. And a sensor size of 1/1.52-inches. Other features sensors are likely a Telephoto & Macro lens.

This is will make it the first Redmi device to sport a 108MP sensor. The device is expected to have a 4,800mAh battery with 33W fast charging.

EDITOR’S PICK: Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite key features and renders revealed through FCC certification

M2007J22C (Possibly Redmi Note 10 Pro)

As per an earlier leak, the device could have a display with a punch-hole at the top left. However, the rear design is out of the leak radar so far. However, a close-up of the rear camera layout shows a Grey color panel. And 48MP primary sensor onboard a similar setup as the above.

Under the hood, the device is said to sport MediaTek’s Dimesnity SoCs. However, the leaks have been inconsistent with few suggesting a Dimensity 820 SoC, while the others pointing to a Dimensity 720 or 800U with a clock speed of 2.4GHz. Also, a listing on China’s 3C certification suggests that the device will come with a 22.5W fast charging.

M2010J19C (Possibly Redmi Note 10 4G)

While Xiaomi promised that it would launch more 5G devices in 2020, leaks show that Redmi Note 10 series could have a 4G variant. Although, a smartphone with a similar model number (M2010J19CG) is said to debut under POCO elsewhere, looks like it’s heading to China as well. Sadly, other than the model number, no concrete info is available about this device. A recent listing on China’s 3C certification also shows the device will support 22.5W fast charging.

Redmi Note 10 Expected Launch date, Price

The launch date of the device isn’t really known yet. However, we can expect them to debut sometime before the end of 2020. For the price, Xiaomi is expected to launch a 999 yuan (~$150) 5G device towards the end of 2020. And it could very well be a Note 10 series device.

UP NEXT: Xiaomi Redmi K30S Ultra 5G is Available for $459 on Giztop

 

PatchWall 3.4 for Mi TVs brings Immersive Carousel, User Centre & new Live TV channels

By
Sudarshan Ravichandran
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Xiaomi has been selling its smart TVs in India since early 2018. The company’s televisions in India except for Mi TV 4 run Android TV operating system. Additionally, they also come with a launcher called PatchWall offering content from partner streaming services. Earlier this year, Xiaomi updated it to v3.0. Now, the company is rolling out a new PatchWall 3.4 update with three new changes.

Xiaomi Mi TV 4A 43 Horizon Edition
Xiaomi Mi TV 4A 43 Horizon Edition

The new PatchWall update for Xiaomi Mi TVs in India arrives ahead of Diwali festive season. The company is expected to sell more televisions in this period compared to previous months. Hence, it makes sense for them to introduce new features at this time of the year.

That said, the PatchWall 3.4 update brings the following three new features to all the Mi TVs in India.

Note: We are not sure if this will be available for the forgotten Mi TV 4 but the Mi TV 4A (32” & 43”) launched alongside it have received the update.

Immersive Carousel

The first thing you notice when you launch PatchWall on Mi TVs is the carousel at the top. In the latest update, Xiaomi has tweaked it in such a way that the content in the carousel act as the background of the entire screen. Thus, the company calls it ‘Immersive Carousel’.

Xiaomi Mi TV PatchWall 3.4 Immersive Carousel

Though the concept is cool, certain poster in carousel does not look as background as they interfere with icons and thumbnails on the foreground.

User Centre

This new page displays all the partner OTT platforms in a single row and even includes a row dedicated to offers on subscriptions. Further, it also shows trailers and upcoming movies/TVs.

Xiaomi Mi TV PatchWall 3.4 User Centre

Xiaomi says that users will be also able to access a universal watchlist comprising of content from partner streaming services.

Live TV

As the name suggests, this page shows all the available live TV channels. The company says it will be adding more channels in the coming days.

Xiaomi Mi TV PatchWall 3.4 Live TV

Having said that, the PatchWall updates on Mi TVs are an automated process but still roll out in batches. They occur in the background when connected to the internet.

Hence, if you own a Mi TV in India and your television is always connected to the internet, then you should have received the update.

UP NEXT: Mi TV 4A 32/43 Horizon Edition launch in India for ₹13,499 ($184) and ₹22,999 ($313) respectively

 

ByteDance outs the Dali Smart Tutoring Lamp T5 with a phone-size screen, AI Camera

By
Jed John Ikoba
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Chinese firm Bytedance gained prominence with its popular apps Tiktok and its Chinese version Duoyin. The company recently signified interested to venture into hardware manufacture with the acquisition of Smartisan. ByteDance has today announced a new education brand known as Dali Education. Interestingly, the company also unveiled the first hardware product under the brand dubbed the Dali Smart Tutoring Lamp T5. Dali Smart Tutoring Lamp T5

The Dali Smart Tutoring Lamp T5 is a utility lamp which focuses on the child’s homework scene. It combines intelligent guidance with the desk lamp necessary for each child’s desk, which can protect the eyes and aid the child to complete his/her homework.

The lamp is a national AA-level professional eye protection light, and has obtained a number of certifications from authoritative organizations, including TUV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification and National CQC Certification. At the same time, Dali Smart Tutoring Lamp T5 also draws on the inspiration of the “shadowless lamp” in the operating room, and uses the double-wing lamp holder design to solve the shadow problem of children when writing. This prevents the need for the child to want to tilt their heads to read words, thereby preventing incorrect sitting posture.ByteDance Dali Smart Tutoring Lamp T5

Secondly, the lamp is integrated with an intelligent coaching feature. It is equipped with an AI camera. With the help of artificial intelligence and related technologies, the camera is capable of performing several functions such as intelligent fingertip search for words, intelligent English follow-up reading, and intelligent calculation problem explanation to help solve children’s homework problems.

The lamp comes with a companion app known as “Daily Love Tutoring” app which parents can use to plan the child’s homework plan and completion progress can be synchronized in real time. Parents can also grasp the homework status remotely. In addition, the Dali Smart Tutoring Lamp is also equipped with smart dual cameras. Parents can not only see their children’s desk remotely but can also use real-time communication to interact with their children through video connections to understand their children’s learning status. The lamp is integrated with a smartphone size display with touchscreen functions.

The smart lamp is already on sale in China via major e-tail platforms such as Jingdong (JD.com). It carries a retail price of 799 yuan (~$119).

UP NEXT: Xiaomi XiaoAI Speaker Art Battery Edition launched for 399 yuan ($59)

 

Ulefone Launches 3 Smartwatches with a Giveaway Surprise

By
Greeva Agnihotri
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As the craze for fitness has been on the rise, many manufacturers have developed devices to help users track and be updated about their body levels. To cater to these needs, Ulefone recently launched 3 different smartwatches- Ulefone Watch, Ulefone Watch GPS, and Ulefone Watch Pro. All the 3 smartwatches come at a pocket-friendly price range and are up for sale at Ulefone’s official website.

The Ulefone Watch and Ulefone Watch GPS both have a 1.3-inch TFT touch display with well-spaced icons for convenient readability. With an advanced HX3600 optical sensor, these devices can conduct uninterrupted and precise heart rate monitoring for up to 24 hours. The female health tracking feature in these devices can record women’s menstrual cycle to keep them updated. The smartwatches also support sleep monitoring function. However, what sets them apart are functions like sports mode and battery.

Ulefone Watch features 9 modes that can track the calorie count of activities like yoga, hiking, dynamic cycling, and more. It also displays guided breathing exercises to help ease the body and mind. With up to 7.5 days of continuous performance and 50 days of standby on a single charge, this smartwatch offers versatility.

As the name suggests, Ulefone Watch GPS features a built-in GPS chip that comes in handy during outdoor adventures. With 14 sports modes, this smartwatch enables one to keep track of outdoor and indoor activities like running, walking, swimming, and more. Its powerful battery offers up to 7 days of working time and 40 days of standby time.

Ulefone Watch Pro features a 1.55-inch full-touch color LCD screen with high hardness for comfortable viewing. It is enhanced with various sensors to monitor the user’s heart, blood oxygen, sleep, and detect rapid eye movement (REM). Other features include pressure assessment, breathing training, women’s health tracking, and 14 sports modes to monitor indoor and outdoor exercises.

 

 

All the 3 smartwatches are enhanced with 5ATM waterproof built that can conveniently withstand low-velocity and shallow-water activities, including swimming. These Ulefone smartwatches allow the user to manage calls and get SNS reminders to keep them updated at all times. Their magnetic snap-on charger design further adds to the convenience. One can simply connect these watches to the Veryfit app to track the progress of daily activities, exercise, and health data. All the Ulefone smartwatches come in multiple color variants.

These devices are currently being sold for a discounted price on the company’s official website, where Ulefone Watch is priced at $39.99, Ulefone Watch GPS at $49.99, and Ulefone Watch Pro at $54.99.

The company is also conducting a giveaway where the lucky winners stand a chance to get a Ulefone Watch. Follow the rules and stay updated on the contest by clicking on the link here. 

 

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